How To Move Out Of Country

While it is true that the vast majority of newly qualified EFL teachers start out by working in a mainstream job, either online or in a traditional classroom abroad, there are other options out there for those who are looking for something a little different. Some of these options require a certain level of experience, while others are open to anyone regardless of their work history. Teaching English in your own country: Your TEFL certificate is valid worldwide, so you can also teach English as a second language in your own country. If there are a lot of non-native speakers, for example, immigrants in your area then this can be a good teaching opportunity. Volunteer English language teaching: Some volunteering jobs are available which pay a stipend and offer food and accommodation...  [Read more]

Living in a non-English speaking country can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it also comes with its challenges. Here are some tips on how to prepare for living in a non-English speaking country: First and foremost, it's essential to have a basic understanding of the local language. Even if it's just a few key phrases, knowing how to greet people, ask for directions, or order food can go a long way in helping you navigate your new environment. Consider taking a language course before you move or using language learning apps to familiarize yourself with the language. Research the culture and customs of the country you will be living in. Understanding the social norms, traditions, and etiquette can help you avoid cultural misunderstandings and make a good impression on the...  [Read more]

If you plan on teaching English in Europe you might have come across something known as the Schengen Area. This area is currently comprised of 26 countries with a combined population of over 400 million people. The area was set up in 1985 with the intention of removing border controls to make moving between countries hassle free. The Schengen Area should not be confused with the European Union which is a separate institution. Before its creation you would have to show your passport at every border to receive an entry stamp, while now anyone including TEFL teachers can move freely from one country to another without any restrictions. Essentially, by entering a country that is a member of the Schengen Area you are entering the area as a whole. Regardless of which country you enter first, the...  [Read more]

Of course we don't only study hard at our in-class course center in Guatemala! After classes and on weekends, our trainees can take part in fun tours and excursions in La Antigua and its surrounding areas. We want to offer you a great experience and bring you in touch with local culture in guatemala. Many of our trainees like guatemala so much that they simply stay and work as English teachers in La Antigua or other parts of the country. Others move on to other parts of South America and the world. With  your internationally recognized teaching qualification, you can move virtually anywhere in the world.   [Read more]

In just a few decades Qatar has grown from a largely unknown stretch of desert on the Persian Gulf, to the vibrant, international destination that it is today. The country is now a major travel hub that is developing rapidly, which goes some way to explaining why it has a huge expat population that makes up around 90% of its inhabitants. Although Qatar is a little less flashy than some others in the region, it is still a safe and comfortable place to live and work. Whatever job you choose you are likely to be teaching in a multicultural classroom that will be a great addition to your CV/resume. Like many countries in the Middle East, teachers are paid a very high salary in Qatar. Depending on the employer and your level of experience, a tax-free salary of between $2,000 and $4,000 USD...  [Read more]

Online English teaching is an area of English education that has exploded over the past few years. More and more online teaching platforms are popping up offering a variety of English language classes to students all across the globe. There are group or 1 to 1 options, lessons that focus on speaking and pronunciation, and some that are entirely aimed at business professionals. The world of online English teaching is seemingly limitless. Due to this huge variety, the demand for online English teachers from all sorts of backgrounds is immense. The beauty of online teaching is you can be based wherever you like. This means you do not have to move to another country or even leave your own home to earn a competitive salary and meet students from all across the world. Many people from...  [Read more]

Some people who head overseas to teach English grow to love the lifestyle so much that they never return to work in their home country. However, for the majority, the move back home will come at some stage, whether after a single year or much longer. For some it can be a difficult experience as you are no longer the person you were when you first left home. Everything can feel different, from the everyday language to the time zone, from the climate to the cuisine. Reverse culture shock can be genuinely unsettling. One way you can combat this, and continue the international focus of your new found way of life, is to find a job that allows you to use the new skills and knowledge that your time abroad has given you. One obvious step for many teachers is to simply continue working as an...  [Read more]

Some people who go abroad to teach English fall in love with their new life overseas and never return to their home country. The majority, however, will return home at some point, whether after a single year or much longer. It can be a difficult experience for some because you are no longer the person you were when you first left home. Everything, from the everyday language to the time zone, the climate to the cuisine, can feel different. Reverse culture shock can be frightening. For many teachers the obvious next step is to continue working as an English language tutor. If you live in or near a relatively large city you are likely to come across language schools and community colleges that provide English lessons to international students, immigrants, and refugees, among others. With...  [Read more]

Most of the TEFL Jobs in Costa Rica are to be found in the bigger cities such as the capital, San Jose. But teaching English in a big and noisy city like this may not be everyone’s cup of tea or first-class coffee. If that is the case, you may get lucky and find a TEFL job at one of the several schools to be found in beach cities or smaller towns in the country. Competition for these jobs is higher, especially at the beaches. You may have to put in more effort and wait longer to find one of these more sought after positions. Most schools in Costa Rica recruit between May and September. At this time of year, there is a great demand for English teachers, with more TEFL jobs than teachers to fill them. If you can’t look for work at this time, there are still positions available year...  [Read more]

We should start by acknowledging that there are some countries where a degree is required for certain teaching jobs. However, even within these countries there are often opportunities for teachers without a degree. In such situations you would need to be more flexible in terms of the type of job and conditions. As we will see later, undertaking volunteering or internship programs are examples of such flexibility. The main point here is that you can teach in many countries without a degree, provided you do have some other attributes or qualifications that employers are looking for. One of the most important qualifications worldwide for EFL teachers is the TEFL certificate. If you have a certificate of at least 120 hours then you should be able to find a number of jobs available to you. You...  [Read more]

There are many TEFL Jobs in Italy. Some cities have more job openings than there are teachers to fill them, while all other parts of the country also provide excellent prospects for English teachers. In virtually every city in Italy, a teacher with a TEFL certificate should be able to find a position teaching English quite quickly. Lots of teachers love the lifestyle that Italy offers. This tends to offset the fact that pay rates are low relative to the cost of living. Because Italy is an EU country, British and Irish passport holders have an easier time finding work here, but a great many non-EU citizens have been able to find work teaching English in Italy. The chances of finding a TEFL job for someone who has suitable TEFL qualifications are very good. Potential jobs teaching English...  [Read more]

As the largest country in Latin America, Brazil has a wide range of opportunities for TEFL qualified teachers. The demand for teachers is high in major cities and popular tourist destinations thanks to a rapidly growing tourism industry and a booming economy. If you choose Brazil as your location for teaching English abroad you can enjoy some of the very best beaches in the world, a warm tropical climate, a vibrant nightlife, and an amazing array of natural wonders. English teachers generally choose to live and work in Brazil for the lifestyle rather than the salaries. However, while you won’t get rich teaching here you should be able to earn enough to cover all your expenses and to enjoy a comfortable life away from the classroom. The average monthly income for TEFL qualified teachers...  [Read more]

With its lifestyle and climate, there are many people seeking TEFL Jobs in Spain. It has the added and very great advantage of having a large number of TEFL jobs available for the qualified English teacher. You will find that the majority of positions available are for teaching young learners, but there are also numerous opportunities to teach adults and business English as well. The larger Spanish cities have literally thousands of private language academies. On the down side though, work regulations are quite stringent, so the non-EU passport holder will have more difficulty finding an English teaching position. However, if you are patient, diligent and have the financial resources to see you through, even a citizen from a non-EU country can find work. It is best to actually be in the...  [Read more]

Anyone who is involved in English language teaching (ELT) is well aware of the industry’s love of acronyms. If you have researched training courses you will undoubtedly have come across several such as TEFL, TESOL, ESOL, EFL, ESL, ELT, and many more. Here we will look at EFL and the first thing to clear up is that EFL stands for English as a Foreign Language. It is often used interchangeably with some of the other acronyms mentioned when referring to the teaching or studying of the English language by non-native English speakers. Although these two acronyms are regularly used interchangeably within the teaching world, there are technical differences between the two. English as a Foreign Language (EFL) refers to situations where a student is learning English in a country (normally their...  [Read more]

When looking for English teaching jobs overseas you will find plenty of options at any time of the year. However, to give yourself the widest choice of opportunities it is important to be aware of any times of the year that are considered peak hiring seasons in the country that you are interested in. Wherever you dream of living and working it is best to start applying for jobs at least three months before your intended start date to give enough time to make all the necessary arrangements, such as sending in applications, interviewing, applying for entry visas and work permits, etc. Hiring seasons are when a large number of teaching jobs become available at one particular time, due to the start of a new school year or semester. The exact timing of hiring seasons can vary from region to...  [Read more]

Italy is one of the most popular destinations in Europe for teaching English abroad. With a fascinating history, Mediterranean climate and an easy going lifestyle, it is no surprise that it is the number one choice for a large number of prospective teachers from all over the world. To help you plan ahead and to ensure you have the best possible chance of landing your dream job, we have put together the following guide to finding a job teaching English in Italy. The most important thing to know about teaching English in Italy is that you will need to be TEFL certified. Employers across the country almost always insist on their teachers having completed a reputable TEFL certification course prior to applying for a teaching position. Although it is sometimes possible to secure a...  [Read more]

Sign up for our intensive TEFL International training courses in Guatemala and take a journey though the land of the ancient Maya. With your internationally recognized TEFL certification in hand, you can start your career as a qualified English teacher in Guatemala, Central America or virtually anywhere around the world. Bordered by Mexico in the north, Belize in the east, and Honduras and El Salvador in the south, Guatemala is the ideal stepping-stone for your career in Latin America. The demand for English language teachers is high in the region and securing a suitable teaching position after the completion of your TEFL course should be no problem. TEFL Guatemala Guatemala is the land of the ancient Maya, which means it is home to a truly unique culture and historical artifacts from...  [Read more]

Whether you are just looking to earn some extra cash during a gap-year or are planning a more serious move into the world of education, teaching English as a foreign language has many benefits. The demand for TEFL qualified teachers is continually growing in many parts of the world and opportunities for making teaching a career are abundant. Also, if you decide that it is time to head back home, there are many directions in which your overseas teaching experience can take you. Although for many TEFL course graduates the aim is to head overseas to experience living and working in a foreign culture, it is not the only option. Plenty of people use their teaching qualification within their home country as increasing levels of immigration have led to a rapid increase in demand for ESL...  [Read more]

Yes, you can start a new career teaching English abroad without any form of teaching experience. Due to a huge demand for English language teachers in countries all over the world, tens of thousands of English speakers head overseas every year to work in a variety of different classrooms. Of this number, approximately 90% will have never worked in any kind of teaching role before. Wherever you find yourself living and working as an English language teacher, you will most likely teach your students using a method known as total immersion, whereby no other language is used in the classroom besides English. As most learners are not in a position to move to an English speaking country in order to be surrounded by the language, it is the teacher's job to bring this immersion to the student...  [Read more]

For anyone planning an adventure teaching English overseas, the amount of cash needed to cover the initial start-up costs is an important question to consider. As with any move there are certain expenses that cannot be avoided, although these will vary depending on where you plan to teach. In most cases the basic start-up costs will include: The cost of obtaining TEFL certification can vary considerably depending on the style of course you choose. At ITTT our least expensive online option can be completed for under $200, while an in-class course will typically cost between $1500 and $2000, not including flights, accommodation, meals etc. However, you should not base your choice of course solely on the cost, as there are fundamental differences to consider. Online courses offer an...  [Read more]

Because of its proximity to the United States, there are a very large number of TEFL Jobs in Mexico. Practically every city and town are in need of native English speaking instructors, so teachers with a good TEFL certificate should be able to choose their preferred location and find a TEFL Job in Mexico. The demand for teachers to teach business English in the largest cities is high, and those with experience in business or teaching business English will find it even easier to find a good job. For the most part, a university degree and a TEFL/TESOL certificate from a four-week, internationally recognized course are required to secure a decent TEFL job in Mexico. Some larger language schools are willing to hire teachers with only a TEFL certificate. At the other end of the spectrum,...  [Read more]

Across Europe there are several countries that attract a large number of EFL teachers every year. Some make it hard for foreign teachers to work legally, while others are much more open. By doing a bit of simple research you should be able to find the countries that offer the best prospects for your personal circumstances. Spain has long been one of the top destinations in Europe for teaching English abroad. Thousands of teachers from all over the world head to Spain every year, drawn by the promise of a relaxed lifestyle, a beautiful coastline dotted with sandy beaches, and the opportunity to learn Spanish while living in a modern, international city such as Madrid or Barcelona. If you are serious about living and working as an ESL teacher in Spain, the first thing you will need to do...  [Read more]

If you crave adventure and a lifestyle that’s out of the ordinary, Phnom Penh, Cambodia is the perfect location to launch your ‘teach English abroad’ journey. The transformation of Cambodia over the past three decades from a country characterised by occupation and trouble, to a Southeast Asian powerhouse, is phenomenal. There’s an insatiable demand for English language skills in Cambodia - and a chronic shortage of TEFL qualified people to teach English. What does this mean for people just like you? Simple! It means opportunities galore. Phnom Penh is the capital city of Cambodia and the nation’s international gateway. With a population of around 2.5 million people and a relatively confined central business district, it has a noticeably slower pace of life than you’ll find in...  [Read more]

Teaching English as a Foreign Language is a career that is open to anyone with an excellent standard of written and spoken English, regardless of age, nationality, or academic history. All you need, apart from a solid understanding of the language, is a TEFL or TESOL certification and the drive to make your dreams come true. However, despite all the many benefits that await teachers heading overseas, there are also a few potential issues that you need to prepare for. So what are the main pros and cons of TEFL? Once you have completed your TEFL certification course you will be able to apply for teaching jobs in virtually any country you can think of. If you dream of living and working by a tropical beach, or if a major world city such as Tokyo, Milan, or Rio is your preference, no problem,...  [Read more]

The Middle East continues to be one of the most popular regions for English language teachers as there are plenty of jobs on offer and the potential salaries are among the highest you will find anywhere in the world. Extra benefits such as paid airfares and free accommodation are also the norm in most cases. However, as the rewards are so good, the requirements and competition for each job is generally very high. There are a wide variety of employment options throughout the country, all of which offer very competitive salaries. Monthly rates start in the region of 9,000 AED (currently $2,500), and rise to over 20,000 AED ($5,500) for those with high levels of qualifications and classroom experience. In addition, most teaching jobs will also include a benefit package that typically...  [Read more]

Due to a strong demand in many countries, TEFL qualified teachers should have plenty of great options to choose from. Across Asia, Europe and Latin America there are countless opportunities available depending on your own personal preferences. Whether your main goal is to make as much money as possible, to experience living in a different culture, or to get right off of the beaten path, there is the ideal destination waiting for you. If you are looking for the widest choice of English language teaching jobs, look no further than Asia. Across the continent you will find countless opportunities in a wide range of fascinating countries, although the requirements do vary from one to the next. Some countries are only open to native English speakers and others will require a university...  [Read more]

Right now, China is one of the hottest markets for TEFL jobs anywhere in the world. China’s emergence into a more free market system, coupled with the higher standard of living many Chinese are now enjoying, has made for an insatiable demand for English teachers. The main problem for most TEFL qualified teachers is not if you will find a decent paying job, but which offer you should take. ITTT recommends Reach To Teach Recruiting for teaching positions in China. They work with private schools, international schools, pre-schools, adult language centers, and public schools from Beijing to Shanghai to Shenzhen and everywhere in between. Reach To Teach is a very well respected recruitment agency for positions all over Asia and the largest provider of jobs in China. To learn more about...  [Read more]

Due to a government backed scheme to improve English language proficiency across the country, Vietnam has seen a boom in ESL teaching jobs in recent years. As well as having plenty of teaching positions, Vietnam also offers a great mix of cosmopolitan cities, laidback beach resorts, and lush tropical countryside. The relaxed way of life is another reason why an increasing number of teachers are deciding to move here, particularly those who are used to working in other Asian countries with a more strict approach to life and work such as South Korea, China, and Japan. With so much in its favour it is no surprise that Vietnam is currently one of the fastest growing destinations in the world for teaching English abroad. The average salary for ESL teachers in Vietnam is around $1,000 USD...  [Read more]

It is important to appreciate that higher salaries are made available to attract the best teaching candidates. What each country considers best does depend on the country, but there are some common factors regarding qualifications and experience when it comes to securing the top paying jobs. In general you need to be a native English speaker, have a degree, usually in education or a related field, and a minimum of a TEFL certificate (though often higher, such as a Diploma in TESOL). You will often see that a minimum of two years teaching experience is also needed. If you have all the above, you have a good chance of gaining employment in the first five of our top ten below. With some of them, you may be able to gain employment in the other five. Figures taken from a range of teaching...  [Read more]

  TEFL International offers the area’s most highly regarded and well-recognized TEFL training certificate. Upon completion of the course, we’ll be able to help you find a teaching job in Cebu, the Philippines or nearly anywhere else you’d like to work. Known in the Philippines as the Queen City of the South, Cebu is the first native settlement to be discovered by western explorers. With a laid back culture, relaxed atmosphere, and beautiful surroundings, it is considered to be one of the area’s tropical paradises. The Philippines is a beautiful archipelago, inhabited with friendly people and a rich culture. Its features include marvelous beaches, a wealth of flora and fauna, and vibrant night life. During the TEFL course in Cebu, you can enjoy some of the world’s best scuba...  [Read more]